Though Illinois does not give a reason for the press conference, it has been a matter of when and not if Illinois announces its huge investment into bettering its football facilities.

Dating back to the Mike Thomasera, Illinois has pursued plans to renovate the south endzone, including construction of a multi-story building that will include a new football-only weight room, new coaches offices and an Illini football Hall of Fame.

Illinois has already jumped into the facilities arms race with recent renovations to the State Farm Center, including a hall of fame that will debut this basketball season.

Stadium upgrades could be a huge boost to recruiting for Smith. According to Werner, Illinois coaches have told recruits the project will be completed by 2019.